Blood of the Fold, by Terry Goodkind, is the story of Richard Rahl in his quest to stop evil from taking over his home and destroying the world. The story focuses not only on Richard's story but on the events of others in the story that are either working against or with Richard. Richard's endurance and faith in himself will continually be tested as he, and his allies, continue to fight against the evil forces they encounter.

Richard Rahl arrives in Aydindril. He knows that he must fight to help stop the Imperial Order from taking over the known world but doesn't know how to do that. While in Aydindril Richard meets up with several Mord-Sith and D'haran guards that pledge themselves to Richard as the new Lord Rahl. Richard then goes to the General of the D'Haran troops in Aydindril and wins over their loyalty. Richard then calls together the representatives of the Midlands in Aydindril. Richard tells them they must join either the D'Harans or will be considered an enemy and with the Imperial Order.

At the Palace of the Prophets Verna is trying to figure out what happened to Prelate Annalina and Nathan. Warren is helping her when Warren has a prophecy come to him about a false prelate. Verna is trying to piece together the pieces of the puzzle when she is attacked and put on trial as a Sister of the Dark. The Emperor of the Imperial Order, Jagang, is headed to the Palace of the Prophets. There is a spell that keeps the Palace inhabitants from aging quickly. Jagang is going to live in the Palace while directing the prophecies in an attempt to take over the world.

Annalina and Nathan have escaped the Palace and are working to get a Wizard of the First Order, Zedd, back to help them destroy the Palace. Meanwhile Richard finds what is called the sliph, and uses its ancient magic to travel to the Palace of the Prophets. There he finds that Kahlan is being held prisoner with several others. Verna and the Sisters of the Light escape those who are working for Jagang. Zedd, Annalina and Nathan have set fire traps throughout the Palace, although Zedd was not strong enough to start them. Unknown to them, Richard is in the Palace and he is able to destroy the Palace, although some of the Sisters of the Dark escape. Jagang had not made it to the Palace. Richard returns home to find the D'Harans under attack.

Richard's friend Gratch, a gar, arrives with other gar to fight in their battle and eventually win. Several of the other lands in the Midlands swear fealty to Richard because of the battle.